I started showing signs of nomophobia — the fear of being without mobile technology — in 1999. I'd pull my cellphone — about the size of a strip steak — from under the driver's seat when we hit Duanesburg on the way home from Ithaca College. That was the edge of the long-distance zone. I could use the phone freely, without roaming charges (remember those?). Or, well, as freely as you can when you've got the 30-minutes-a-month plan.

Crazy, perhaps, but according to one study, two-thirds of the population suffers from this affliction. That's up 13 percent from just a few years ago. This is such a problem on the West Coast that Morningside Recovery Center, a drug and alcohol rehab facility in California, launched a group to deal with nomophobia. Basically, if you have an utter fear and anxiety running through your veins when you lose your cell, run out of battery or have no network coverage, you're a candidate.

And, well, I may be. In fact, it could be too late.

My phone infatuation only got worse when I met my first BlackBerry. I never understood the term CrackBerry till becoming a user. Shortly after acquiring the pink Curve, I added to my "About me" on Facebook I'd rather lose my wallet then my cellphone. I then lost my wallet — complete with several hundred dollars in vacation money. Instead of being angst-ridden, I was relieved my BlackBerry was safely in my pocket.

Because, with that magic device I could not only make calls, but email and use the Internet. Some people see always being connected as a burden, and this is understandable. We've all been out to eat and seen the couple who, instead of talking, are on their phones — the entire time. It makes you wonder why they didn't just get takeout.

Or there's the widely publicized issue of people, especially, teens, texting while driving. Studies show this can be even more dangerous than drinking and driving, since your eyes are off the road.

We now live in a world where seeing the tops of peoples' heads in meetings, at conferences or even while at a restaurant has become the norm.

When a behavior starts affecting relationships and your ability to function, it's a problem. I was there, at one point; then I got married. The Husband knew I had this affliction, and I knew it bothered him. So, we agreed that I would cut back — leaving the phone upstairs when I'm cooking, during mealtimes or while watching TV. I also vowed to keep it in my bag while a passenger in the car.

That last one isn't working so well.

A smartphone gives me a sense of connection. Thanks to Twitter, I'm always up on breaking news and, instead of feeling tethered to work, I'm organized and efficient. Rather than replying to 60 emails on Monday morning, I can start working on other things, since those messages were addressed in quick spurts as they came in.

Lines like that make me realize that, perhaps, my satisfaction has turned to need.

I have chargers in my office, at home and in my car, in an attempt to assure I'm never without the juice needed to communicate.

A fully charged phone brings a sense of calm — like a full tank of gas or an empty laundry basket.

Unfortunately, sometimes even the best-laid plans fail, and then the true panic sets in.

Last week, at a golf tournament, my Android was fully drained by the fourth hole. How, I wondered, could I focus on birdies and bad lies when my smartphone was flashing red warnings of less than 5 percent power?

My heart raced, and I broke out into a sweat.

I emailed a few people with SOS-type messages that I'd soon fall off the grid, and that I wouldn't be reconnected with the world through the Web for five (five?!) hours.

Then I put the phone on the dash of the golf cart, wondering why there wasn't a cigarette charger to plug into and power up while on the links.

Instead, I had to wait till we came off the 18th hole. Before removing my clubs or asking for my score, I turned on the car to get my fix before heading to the clubhouse for dinner.

So, yes, I am a nomophobe.

But I'm working on it. Or, I plan to, as soon as I hang up from this call.

Commit to turning off your phone or putting it away out of sight for a certain amount of time each day. For example, while at the gym, during dinner or family time. Also, try not to check your phone for an hour prior to bedtime so your mind can enter into a relaxed state before you fall asleep.

Use healthy coping skills to manage the anxiety and fear that arises when your phone is not available. You can practice diaphragmatic breathing, mindful meditation or observation skills, distract yourself with activities such as listening to music, eating your favorite food or talking to a friend or family member.

Identify any irrational thoughts driving your fear or anxiety about not having your phone. Challenge those thoughts by looking at the evidence that disproves the thought and evidence that supports the thought.

Track the number of times you check your phone on a daily basis. Keep in mind most people check their phones around 34 times per day. If the number is much higher than 34, try to decrease the number of times you check.